Equality Florida

It says Florida may not “be a safe place to visit or take up residence” following legislation issues including abortion and LGBTQ rights.

Critics say the bill, if passed, could effectively shut down local pride parades.

It would extend the prohibition on teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity through eighth grade.

Under the bill filed by Rep. Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor, instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity would apply through the eighth grade.

Some characterized it as a way to provide transparency and others say it is potentially harmful to LGBTQ students.

It's in response to a lawsuit over legislation that restricts instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida public schools.

Equality Florida director Nadine Smith of St. Petersburg has been named one of Time magazine's “100 Most Influential People of 2022." Gov. Ron DeSantis also made the list.

The state news release said “current evidence does not support the use of puberty blockers, hormone treatments or surgical procedures for children and adolescents.”

A member of the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida said “the anti-LGBTQ animus behind this bill was made very clear.”

Florida has one of the highest populations of LGBTQ people in the country, but despite the community’s size, it remains a weak political force in the state.

It was temporarily postponed during its last committee stop, and its sponsor says there may not be enough time to revisit it this session.

The Senate Rules Committee will also consider a less stringent version today.